Melbourne International Comedy Festival

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world, alongside Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Montreal's Just for Laughs. Held annually in Melbourne, Australia’s comedy capital, the festival features a rich mix of stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre, street performances, and more.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival aims to discover, develop and showcase great talent for the entertainment and inspiration of a broad-based audience. The Festival values irreverence, inventiveness and creativity, inclusiveness and accessibility, freedom of speech and respect for all.

Each autumn, for three and a half weeks, the Melbourne Town Hall and surrounding precincts transform into a giant comedy hub. The festival showcases both local and international talent, offering something for everyone in a wide range of venues. The festival plays a key role in uniting the comedy scene, offering the necessary environment and promotional support while also creating and managing many of the venues.

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Upcoming events

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Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 23 Jan 2026 - 16 May 2026
Icon / Small / Location Created with Sketch. The Capitol

After captivating audiences worldwide with Peter Pan, Ballet of Lights presents Cinderella! This classic fairy tale is reimagined in a ballet show where dancers shine in glow-in-the-dark costumes. Get your tickets for Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show in Melbourne!

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Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 30 Jan 2026 - 02 Aug 2026

Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty has arrived in Melbourne! This beloved tale is brought to life through classical dance, stunning choreography, and beautiful glow-in-the-dark costumes.

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Qiu Rui Stand Up Comedy Show

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 03 Feb 2026 - 06 Feb 2026
Icon / Small / Location Created with Sketch. The Capitol

Loading Zone Comedy brings stand-up comedian Qiu Rui, to Australia!

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures